Illinois to Start Spring Football Practice April 1

Wednesday, Smith released the schedule for Illinois' 15-practice spring season, now set to begin on April 1. Spring practices were originally slated to start March 11 under former coach Bill Cubit, but due to the transition, and need to fill assistant coaching positions, that was pushed back.

Practices will run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until April 26.

In place of the Orange and Blue Spring Game, Illinois will hold and open practice on April 16. Parking and admission to Memorial Stadium are free for the event. That practice is set to begin at 1pm.